Objectives : This study was conducted to identify the original Sinomini Caulis et Rhizoma plant among Stephania tetrandra, Cocculus trilobus, and Aristolochiae fangchi to develop the genetic marker for Sinomini Caulis et Rhizoma. Methods : Sinomenium acutum was identified by the classification and identification committee of the National Center for Standardization of Herbal Medicines. The chloroplast ndhF gene was amplified. We performed sequences alignment analysis of Sinomenium acutum, Stephania tetrandra, C. trilobus, and A. fangchi using BioEdit program. The SFR markers designed were consisted of SF01, SR04, and SR05 primers. Results : Many variations of Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma are currently commercialized as herbal medicine. We compared the base sequences of the ndhF intergenic space of chloroplast DNA with Sinomenium acutum, Stephania tetrandra, C. trilobus, and A. fangchi. According to the results, it showed that the nucleotide variations were seen in 30 genes of four species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 4 species were classified into five groups based on an inter-group divergence in nucleotide sequence of 9%. We developed SFR marker nucleotides enough to authenticate respective species and confirmed its application on the band size at 419 base pair. These sequence differences at corresponding positions were available genetic markers to identity the Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma. Conclusions : Base on these results, the ndhF region was effective in distinguishing Sinomini Caulis et Rhizoma The SFR genetic marker was useful for identifying Sinomini Caulis et Rhizoma with other species.

Objectives : Seungmagalgeun-tang (SMGGT) is traditional medicine widely used for inflammatory disease and flu. But SMGGT exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity with an unknown mechanism. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SMGGT water extract on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we examined the effect of SMGGT on pro-inflammatory mediators in Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)+A23187-stimulated mast cells. Methods : In the present study, pro-inflammatory cytokine production was determined by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot analysis to measure the activation of MAPKs. Cells were treated with SMGGT 1 h prior to the addition of 50 nM of PMA and of A23187. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. The investigation focused on whether SMGGT inhibited the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in PMA+A23187-stimulated mast cells. Results : SMGGT has no cytotoxicity at examined concentration (100, 250, and ). Also, gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA+A23187 was down regulated by SMGGT. Furthermore, SMGGT suppressed the PMA+A23187-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal Kinase(JNK). But, SMGGT could not regulate phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Conclusions : These results suggest that SMGGT has inhibitory effects on PMA+A23187-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. These inhibitory effects occur through blockades on the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is correct the scientific name of Aquilariae Lignum in Korean Herbal Pharmacoepia. Methods : The production areas of Aquilariae Lignum and its trading status with China in Chinese history, Sanscrit-Chinese Translation Sutra, Naming year and the discovered district in main Aquilaria spp., Several nation`s Pharmacoepia, The Plant List(TPL), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora(CITES) and The International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) were cross-checked. Results : The records in the Jiaozhouyiwuzhi written in the early 2nd century said that Aquilariae Lignum was produced in Vietnam. NanfangCaomuZhuang written in 304 said that Agarwood in Vietnam had white flowers. Vietnam had led production and trading of Aquilariae Lignum until Qing Dynasty. Aquilariae Lignum from Malaysia and Indonesia was not traded with China. In Sanscrit-Chinese Translation Sutra, India Aquilariae Lignum was translated as Vietnam Aquilariae Lignum. Aquilaria malaccensis was discovered from Malay-Peninsular in 1783, and has green or dirty yellow flowers. A. agallocha from North-Eastern India in 1814, white flowers. A. crasssna from Vietnam in 1914, white flowers. A. crassna is different from A. malaccensis in several ways, such as flower, fruit, seed and disribution. In several Nation`s Pharmacoepia, A. crassna was a synonym of A. agallocha. But in TPL, CITES and IUCN, A. malaccensis was an accepted name, and A. agallocha was a synonym of A. malaccensis. Conclusions : These results show that the original species of Aquilariae Lignum in Korea Herbal Pharmacoepia should be reversed from A. agallocha to A. crassna Pierre ex Lacomte.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of Cyperi Rhizoma extracts (CRE) using in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson`s disease (PD). Methods : We evaluated the neuroprotective effect of CRE against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) toxicity using tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry (IHC) in primary rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. In addition, the effect of CRE was evaluated in mice PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). For evaluations, C57bl/6 mice were orally treated with CRE 50 mg/kg for 5 days and were injected intraperitoneally with MPTP (20 mg/kg) at 2 h intervals on the last day. To identify the CRE affects on MPTP-induced neuronal loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and striatum of mice, the behavioral tests and IHC analysis were carried out. Also, we conducted nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) assay in dopaminergic neurons and IHC using glial markers in SNpc of mice to assess the anti-inflammation effects. Results : In primary mesencephalic culture system, CRE protected dopaminergic cells against MPP+-induced toxicity at 0.2 and . In the behavior tests, CRE treated group showed improved motor deteriorations than those in the MPTP only treated group. CRE significantly protected striatal dopaminergic damage from MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Moreover, CRE inhibited productions of NO and TNF- in dopaminergic culture system and activation of astrocyte and microglia in SNpc of the mice. Conclusion : We concluded that CRE shows anti-parkinsonian effect by protecting dopaminergic neurons against MPP+/MPTP toxicities through anti-inflammatory actions.

Objectives : `Reconsideration about Nomenclature of Herbs Listed in the Korean Pharmacopoeia` was published by Doh and Lee with absolute misconception of nomenclature. A critical review of Doh and Lee`s paper is given, to correct the confused the concept of nomenclature and to provide proper scientific name for taxa which are discussed. Methods : This paper discusses the proper usage, as mandated by the International Code of Nomenclature. Adherence to the rules described in this paper should reduce the present confusion in the nomenclature of scientific names listed in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Results : Although Doh and Lee proposed four categories to correct the scientific names of the Korean Pharmacopoeia using available botanical databases, they failed to show how nomenclatural concepts are applicable due to misconception of legitimacy and the confusion about synonym. From a nomenclatural perspective, `accepted name` or `recommended name` is a subjective term which used to be employed for convenience in a certain databases or working group without nomenclatural meaning. Doh and Lee also pointed out the standardization of author citation. However, they missed the importance of author citation error such as basionym or validating authors. Conclusions : Doh and Lee were not able to solve nomenclatural problems of the Korea Pharmacopoeia due to lack of clarity on the nomenclature code. We strongly recommend that KFDA has to commence extensive nomenclatural review for the next revision of Korea Pharmacopoeia.

Objectives : Allergy is an immune dysfunction caused by degranulation from mast cells in the early phase of allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-allergic effect of fermented Angelicae gigantis Radix in human mast cell line, HMC-1. Method : The Angelicae gigantis Radix was fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus. The cell toxicity of fermented Angelicae gigantis Radix(FAGR) was determined by MTT assay. The release of -hexosaminidase from HMC-1 stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 was determined by -hexosaminidase assay. Also, the concentrations of cytokines (interleukin-, -6, -8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene expression of COX-2 from HMC-1 stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The release of histamine on substance P-stimulated HMC-1 was measured by histamine assay. Result : The FAGR suppressed the release of -hexosaminidase, a marker of degranulation, from HMC-1 stimulated by PMA plus A23187. The FAGR inhibited the production of interleukin-, -6, -8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The FAGR inhibited the expression of COX-2 mRNA. The FAGR suppressed the release of histamine on substance P-stimulated HMC-1. Conclusion : These results provide that FAGR may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic inflammatory disease.

Objectives : This study aims at examining the immuno-modulating activity in the fermentative extract of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Scutellariae Radix) on the production of inflammatory mediator in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Method : Measurements were done for the influences on the cell viability, generation of hydrogen peroxide in cells and nitric oxide (NO) generation using the macrophage of mouse with the specimen SBS as the fermentative extract of Scutellariae Radix (SBS) with Saccharomyces cerevisiae STV89. Result : As a result of carrying out MTT assay to check the cellular toxicity of the fermentative extract of Scutellariae Radix, any excessive toxicity to the macrophage did not occur from treatments by concentration for SBS. SBS increased the generation of hydrogen peroxide in the macrophage. SBS suppressed the NO generated in macrophages and SBS concentration higher than significantly suppressed the increased NO generated in LPS-stimulated macrophages. SBS concentration higher than significantly suppressed the generation of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40 and MCP-1 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that SBS has an immuno-modulating activity in macrophage activation through suppressing the generation of inflammatory substances, NO, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40 and MCP-1.

Objectives : To prove the channel-tropism theory in herbology, we investigated the anti-diabetic effect of six herbal plants used for lower wasting-thirst in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods : Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by consecutive injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg i.p.) for 5 days. The rats were divided into normal control, diabetic control, and diabetic treatment with Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC, 300 mg/kg); Corni Fructus (CF, 300 mg/kg); Bombyx Batryticatus (BB, 50 mg/kg); Lycii Fructus (LF, 300 mg/kg); Phellodendri Cortex (PC, 300 mg/kg); Epimedii Herba (EH, 300 mg/kg); and glibenclimide (10 mg/kg) as a reference drug. Herbal extracts or reference drug were administered orally for 28 days. The changes of body weight, food intake and water intake, and serological markers such as blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were measured. Results : The decrease of body weight and the increase of food and water intake in STZ-induced diabetic rats was improved by the administration of CF and LF. Also, the enhancement of blood glucose and serum total cholesterol, TG, BUN and Cr in STZ-induced diabetic rats was significantly inhibited by the administration of CF, BB, LF and glibenclimide. On the other hand, EH strongly inhibited the increase of BUN and Cr in the sera of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Conclusions : These results suggest that among six herbal medicines used lower emaciation of emaciation-thirst disease, CF, BB, LF and EH show a characteristics including the channel-tropism theory.

Objectives : Hibisci Flos has long been used for inflammatory diseases in traditional Korean medicine. However, little scientific investigation has been carried out. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Hibisci Flos water extract (HF) on inflammatory cytokines production in Raw 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccaride (LPS). Method : HF was prepared by extracting with boiling water for 2 hours. We observed the cell viability of mouse macrophage Raw 264.7, the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-15, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), interferon-gamma (IFN-), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in Raw 264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. Result : The MTT assay was carried out to check the cellular toxicity of HF. No significant toxicity was observed in the experiment. HF significantly inhibited the increase of NO in the macrophages induced by LPS after 24 hour treatment. HF significantly inhibited the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-15, TNF-, IFN-, VEGF, GM-CSF and M-CSF in the Raw 264.7 cells induced by LPS in the concentration of or higher. Conclusion : These results suggest that HF might have regulatory effects on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of inflammatory disease.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of the Ethanolic extract of Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine. Methods : The genetic difference of Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus were observed with RAPD analysis. The cognition-enhancing effect of Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus was investigated using a passive avoidance test, Y-maze test and the Morris water maze test in mice. Drug-induced amnesia was induced by treating animals with scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Results : As a result of RAPD analysis, Stachys sieboldii and Lycopus lucidus Radix was found to be genetically different and The results of learning memory analysis showed that Stachys sieboldii extract-treated group (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and the tacrine-treated group (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced amnesia based on the Passive avoidance Y-maze test and Water maze test. And these results are same manner in DPPH radical scavenger effect and Acetylcholineseterase inhibition effect. These results suggest that Stachys sieboldii extract maybe a useful cognitive impairment treatment, and its beneficial effects are depending on the origin plants. Conclusions : Commercially available Stachys sieboldii Radix consists of two original plant, one of them people misuse. To clarify the origin of the plant Memory tests were performed. These results suggest that 80% Ethanol extract of Stachys sieboldii showed significant anti-amnestic and cognitive-enhancing activities related to the memory processes, and these activities were parallel to treatment duration and dependent of the learning models.

Objectives : This study was aimed at producing emulsion by using butanol fractions of Sanguisorbae radix(SRA-B) which have high antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions, and then evaluating stabilities of the emulsion. Methods : We measured antioxidant efficacy of SRA-B by using DPPH assay. Also, we checked the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by using the Western blot to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SRA-B3. We prepared emulsion containing SRA-B3(E-SRA-B3) and analysed its particle size distribution under a microscope. Also, we performed the test for stability of the emulsion. Results : SRA-B3 showed the highest efficacy in electronic donating abilities` activity. The Western blot`s results indicated that the protein expression`s amount of iNOS and COX-2 in macrophage stimulated by LPS were reduced by SRA-B3 treatment. The average particle size of E-SRA-B3 was in diameter and was in a view of the particle distribution. For a period of a observation, E-SRA-B3 has not made particular changes with storage temperature. It was observed that E-SRA-B3 could preserve its stable condition without a particular difference of viscosity during 28 days. Conclusions : From the above results, it was confirmed that SRA-B3 has potentiality enough to be applied to industrialization and could be utilized as antioxidative natural materials and anti-inflammatory cosmetics.

Objectives : We recently have reported that constituents of OMC-2010 have an immuno-modulatory effects via inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-5. In this study, based on previous data, we investigated the effects of combinations with each OMC constituents on splenocyte cytotoxicity, cytokine productions, and ovalbumin (OVA) induced experimental allergic asthma. Methods : Mouse splenocytes were pre-treated with ethanol extract of constituents of Rehmannia glutinosa (RG), Pinellia ternata (PT), Schisandra chinensis (SC). We made 4 combinations using RG, PT, and SC (A;1:1:1, B;2:1:1, C;1:2:1, D;1:1:2). The cells were pretreated with A, B, C, or D for 1 h, then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, ) for 48 h. Then the cells were harvested for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect cytokine productions. Then using effective combination from RG, PR and SC, we administrated the combination orally, then challenged with OVA to induce asthma. Then we analyzed the airway hyper-reactivity (AHR), lung histology and lung TNF- and IL-5 mRNA. Results : A. B. C. and D did not showed significant cytotoxicity on splenocytes. Pre-treatment of A inhibited the expression of TNF- and IL-5 significantly, but not B, C, and D. In experimental asthma, administration of A significantly inhibited the increase of AHR, lung damage, TNF- and IL-5 expression. Conclusions : Theses results could suggest that inhibitory effects of the ideal combination with RG, PT and SC (1:1:1) could be applied to treatment of asthma and study of asthma mechanisms.

Objectives : A quantitative method using high performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector(HPLC-PDA) was established for the quantitative analysis of the four main compound and pattern analysis to classification Piiellia ternate, P. pedatisecta and Typhonium flagelliforme. Methods : The analytical procedure for the determination of P. ternata, together with the known main compounds uracil, uridine, guanosine and adenosine was established. Optimum HPLC-PDA separation of these P. ternata was possible on Luna C18(2) column material, using water and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The method was validated according to regulatory guidelines. In addition, this assay method were analyzed for the content of four main compound in P. ternata, P. pedatisecta and T. flagelliforme and by data obtained from the HPLC-PDA analysis was performed principal component analysis(PCA). Results : Validation results indicated that the HPLC method is well suited for the determination of the roots of P. ternata with a good linearity ( > 0.999), precision and recovery rates. Analysis of HPLC-PDA, the average content of uracil, uridine, guanosine and adenosine was significantly higher in P. ternate>P. pedatisecta> T. flagelliforme order. The application of PCA to main compound data by HPLC-PDA permitted the effective discrimination among the three species. Conclusions : Analysis of both HPLC-PDA and PCA confirmed the fact that four main compound and pattern profiles of P. ternata, P. pedatisecta and T. flagelliforme were different from each other.

Objectives : Herbal medicines were used a lot in the Northeast Asia, traditionally. However, the pharmacopoeia standards in South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and North Korea including many other Asia are different and cause confusion. If the origins are not belonging to same genus, it should be careful to distinguish. In this study, herbal medicines in the pharmacopoeia were analyzed for different genus of origins in order to identify the disruptive items for each country. Methods : The scientific names of herbal medicines (plant based) was analyzed origins from Pharmacopoeias of Republic of Korea, People`s Republic of China, Japan, Taiwan, and Democratic People`s Republic of Korea. The origins specified differently were examined. Especially, the items which have different genus were analyzed in detail and confirmed for correct scientific name. Results : The analyzed herbal medicines in Pharmacopoeia were all 753 items. 320 items were in only one country`s Pharmacopoeia. 237 items were in more than two countries` Pharmacopoeia, but their origins were same on each other. The items which have different genus were 35 items. Conclusions : In general, species belonging to the same genus have similar ecological, morphological, and pharmacological activity. However, species with different genus may have different medicinal ingredients and pharmacological activity. Thus, the items which have same name but different genus are required to analyze for comparison of pharmacological activity. Also, other species belonging to the different genus should be used for different items.